how much does a jag attorney make

by Phyllis Lowe I 6 min read

Full Answer

How much does a JAG officer make in the Army?

Because branches have different starting ranks, the 2018 salary at the rank of O-1 for newly commissioned JAG officers in the Army is $37,292. The salary for Marines, Air Force and Navy JAG officers at O-2 rank is $42,966. The salary in the Coast Guard at O-3 rank is $49,727.

What are the benefits of being a JAG lawyer?

Free health and dental insurance, life insurance, and excellent retirement packages are all made available to JAG attorneys. In addition, numerous military related perks, such as commissary access and reduced price travel also contribute to the value of a military lawyer's salary.

What is the highest rank for a JAG lawyer?

Beginning JAG corps salaries vary because each branch has different initial ranks for its JAGs. Coast Guard lawyers start at the highest rank, O-3. Marine, Air Force and Navy military lawyers start at the rank of O-2, and Army lawyers start at the rank of O-1.

How to become a JAG lawyer in the military?

How to Become a JAG Lawyer. Becoming a military attorney combines two careers. As an officer in the Judge Advocate General Corps, you have the duties, respect, and career opportunities of an officer while providing high quality legal services to active duty servicemen and woman around the world.

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How much do Air Force JAG lawyers make?

The salaries of Air Force Jags in the US range from $10,085 to $237,745 , with a median salary of $42,868 . The middle 57% of Air Force Jags makes between $42,868 and $107,389, with the top 86% making $237,745.

Do Jags make good money?

The salaries of Army Jag Officers in the US range from $10,917 to $291,686 , with a median salary of $52,943 . The middle 57% of Army Jag Officers makes between $52,945 and $131,968, with the top 86% making $291,686.

What rank is a JAG lawyer?

RANK AND PAY RATES New Army Judge Advocates enter service as First Lieutenants (O-2) and are promoted to Captain (O-3) six to nine months later. Officers receive a raise in basic pay upon promotion to Captain and receive automatic pay increases after serving 2, 3, and 4 years.

Is being a JAG worth it?

By becoming a JAG, you are guaranteed a career that has rotating assignments by location and practice area, exposing you to the world and the law in ways you could have never imagined. It provides unrivaled practical and hands-on experience to springboard your career.

What is the highest paid lawyer?

Highest paid lawyers: salary by practice areaTax attorney (tax law): $122,000.Corporate lawyer: $115,000.Employment lawyer: $87,000.Real Estate attorney: $86,000.Divorce attorney: $84,000.Immigration attorney: $84,000.Estate attorney: $83,000.Public Defender: $63,000.More items...•

Does Navy JAG pay for law school?

‐ Funded Graduate Education: As part of the culture of learning that the Navy JAG Corps fosters, Navy judge advocates have the opportunity to earn a Master of Law (LL. M.) degree fully‐funded by the Navy.

Does Army JAG pay for law school?

Will the JAG Corps pay for my law school? Yes, through the Funded Legal Education Program (FLEP), the Army covers the cost of law school for up to 25 active-duty Officers and non-commissioned Officers every year.

Do JAGs see combat?

Yes, JAGs do get deployed to areas all over the world. JAGs serve as legal advisers to military commanders and have many responsibilities, including providing legal opinions on whether military actions comply with the laws of armed conflict to prosecuting or defending service members in courts martial.

How long do JAG officers serve?

JAG attorneys are required to serve at least four years on active duty and usually four more years on inactive status afterward. The freedom to change jobs, take vacations, and many more aspects of daily life are limited. JAG attorneys will likely not live in one location for long.

Do JAG officers go through basic training?

Military officers, including JAG lawyers, do not undertake the same bootcamp-style basic training as enlistees, but they must complete an officer basic course that teaches military protocols and includes physical fitness training.

How much does a Marine JAG make?

Judge advocates earn the title “Marine,” while using their legal expertise in support of America's finest. The salary for this position varies based on location, but is generally between $60,764 and $85,848 upon completion of entry-level training, and up to $101,799 after two years of service.

Where are JAG officers stationed?

United States Navy Judge Advocate General's CorpsJudge Advocate General's CorpsPart ofDepartment of the NavyGarrison/HQWashington Navy Yard, Washington, D.C, U.S.CommandersJAGVADM Darse E. Crandall Jr.9 more rows

How much does an Army JAG Attorney in United States make?

The national average salary for an Army JAG Attorney is $107,278 per year in United States. Filter by location to see an Army JAG Attorney salaries...

What is the highest salary for an Army JAG Attorney in United States?

The highest salary for an Army JAG Attorney in United States is $159,581 per year.

What is the lowest salary for an Army JAG Attorney in United States?

The lowest salary for an Army JAG Attorney in United States is $72,117 per year.

What is the an Army JAG Attorney career path and salary trajectory?

If you are thinking of becoming an Army JAG Attorney or planning the next step in your career, find details about the role, the career path and sal...

How much does a JAG make?

The highest starting salary is earned by Army JAG officers, with a yearly salary of $44,000 per year at the rank of captain. Most Army advocates stay at the level of captain through out their careers. The salary for this rank caps at $72,000 per year after 14 years of service.

What are the benefits of being a JAG?

Benefits. JAG officers are entitled to a long list of benefits. Free health and dental insurance, life insurance, and excellent retirement packages are all made available to JAG attorneys. In addition, numerous military related perks, such as commissary access and reduced price travel also contribute to the value of a military lawyer's salary.

How much does a lawyer make in 2011?

In 2011, the average salary of a private practice attorney was $113,310, ranging from $54,000 at the low end to $187,000 at the high end. By comparison, the average salary of a JAG officer is $65,000 per year. While military lawyers appear to earn substantially less than their civilian counterparts, the totality of the military salary, allowances and benefit package still make this a viable choice of careers.

How much does a military officer make in a year?

The salary for this rank caps at $72,000 per year after 14 years of service. All other branches typically start at about $40,000 per year and in all branches, rank and salaries increase with years of continued service.

What is the military's legal team called?

When the military needs to handle internal legal matters, it turns to a a group of specially trained lawyers, called the Judge Advocate General's Corps. Each service branch has its own attorneys, who cover such practice areas as environmental law, criminal matters and international law.

How much does a JAG officer make?

Because branches have different starting ranks, the 2018 salary at the rank of O-1 for newly commissioned JAG officers in the Army is $37,292. The salary for Marines, Air Force and Navy JAG officers at O-2 rank is $42,966. The salary in the Coast Guard at O-3 rank is $49,727.

What does a JAG lawyer do?

Except for the Coast Guard, all JAG Corps lawyers have opportunities to practice law at international duty stations.

What is the job of a lawyer in the military?

All five branches of the U.S. military employ lawyers who serve on active duty as members of the military's Judge Advocate General Corps. Every member of this corps is a commissioned officer with a salary that depends on rank and time in service. Beginning JAG corps salaries vary because each branch has different initial ranks for its JAGs.

What are the benefits of being a military lawyer?

Military lawyers receive substantial benefits and perks that make this career attractive. Free housing, meals , health care and travel are the most common military benefits. The JAG Corps also offers free advanced legal education to its officers who want to pursue the Master of Laws degree. Educational benefits for dependents, temporary duty travel ...

Why are military jobs good?

Job opportunities in all branches of the military are good. Because active-duty service is voluntary, the military recruits constantly to maintain the readiness and strength of the armed forces. New opportunities arise as commissioned JAG officers advance through the ranks or retire from service.

What is a military lawyer?

Military lawyers practice in a wide range of legal areas as prosecutors and defenders. In some cases, they represent the United States government, and in others, they represent members of the armed services. Some JAGs specialize in military law, but others provide legal advice to service personnel about real estate, contracts or family law.

How long does it take to get promoted to a higher rank?

Although some branches have lower starting salaries, promotion to a higher rank generally happens between six months to a year.

What does a JAG officer do?

JAG officer deals with disciplinary and litigation cases and handles varies legal issues of the Armed Forces. They are also involved actively in assisting the soldiers in observing Human Rights and Rule of the Law.

What is a JAG in the military?

The Judge Advocate General Department, commonly known as JAG, consists of legally qualified Army officers who have knowledge of military law and provide legal help to the military in all aspects.

What rank was the JAG in court martial?

During my court martial, the JAG was flight lieutenant, a very junior rank. And he was still given a separate jeep, all the senior officers were running around him, consulting him on various matters. His decision is paramount and he runs the show.

What is the job of a military lawyer?

Representing clientele under jurisdiction of military courts and law is the primary difference. The military attorney works exclusively with military personnel and may represent them in civil and criminal cases.

Is a promotion from Lieutenant to Major purely time scale?

Presently, promotions from Lieutenant to Captain to Major to Lieutenant Colonel are purely time scale , subject to clearing promotion exams and training courses and also not being involved in indiscipline.

Does it matter if an officer is a jag or an infantry?

In army the salary depends upon the rank. It doesn't matter whether an officer is a jag officer or an infantry officer. The perks differ from corps to corps.

How much does an Air Force JAG make?

Air Force JAG salary starts at $3,850.50 per month in base pay, which translates to $46,206 annually. Air Force benefits include a housing allowance adjusted for local cost of living, medical and dental benefits, and 30 days of paid vacation a year.

What is a JAG lawyer?

Lawyers who work in the Judge Advocate General (JAG) corps serve the Air Force and its service members in a variety of ways, working as prosecutors, defense counsel and judges.

How many years of military service do you need to go to law school?

If selected, service members receive tuition, fees and a book allowance in addition to regular military pay and benefits. This option is available for officers who rank O-3 or below, hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree and who have between two and six years of military service.

Where do jagi work?

JAG attorneys work in offices and courtrooms at duty stations around the world. A JAG officer gets an introduction to military life and law beginning with Commissioned Officer Training followed by the Judge Advocate Staff Officer Course conducted at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama. A number of opportunities exist for lawyers as they are promoted through the ranks, including leadership and teaching.

How many people graduate from the Air Force with a law degree?

Commissions to the Air Force JAG can be competitive. On average in the United States, more than 40,000 people graduate with a law degree each year and seek employment in their field.

What is the pay grade for a first lieutenant?

Air Force. You'll enter the service as a First Lieutenant, which is pay grade O-2. Career advancement and diverse opportunities are some of the perks you'll enjoy.

How to become an Air Force lawyer?

To get a direct appointment as an attorney with the Air Force, you must have graduated with a Juris Doctor (or be close to graduation) from a law school approved by the American Bar Association.

How to become a JAG lawyer?

To become a JAG lawyer, you'll need to go to law school and attend the Officer Candidate School, which is the training academy for prospective military officers. You must also be a US citizen, pass a security clearance, and meet the physical requirements for the branch of the military you choose.

What is a JAG in the military?

The Judge Advocate General (JAG) corps of the five military branches is as competitive and demanding as any military career. Along with completing the educational and licensing requirements of the legal profession, you must also be able to meet the same standards as any prospective officer.

What degree do you need to join the JAG Corps?

Dept. of Education. College ROTC programs, such as the Air Force Graduate Law Program, may assist you, both with finances and motivation, to complete the education you need to join the JAG Corps.

What is the JAG Corps?

The JAG Corps of the five branches of the military are skilled professional lawyers who handle legal issues under civil and military law, as well as trained leaders and members of the service community .

How old do you have to be to become a jagi?

If you are interested in becoming a JAG attorney, you must start your studies so that you will be licensed to practice law and ready for entry into active duty before you are the age of 42 years . The age limit is 40 for the Air Force.

What is the Air Force law program?

The Air Force offers the Graduate Law Program which combines military training with your legal studies. First year law students are eligible to apply.

What is the best way to become a military lawyer?

Research military legal education programs. If you are seeking a career as a military attorney, there are special programs that may help you with admission, completion, and even funding of your legal education. The Army offers a highly-competitive summer internship to second-year law students.

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Income

  • The Navy JAG Corps offers active-duty judge advocates a competitive starting salary. The total compensation includes basic pay and certain non-taxable allowances, such as those for housing and subs...
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Health and Life Insurance

  1. Full medical and dental coveragein Navy or civilian facilities for the service member and his/her dependent family.
  2. $400,000 life insurancepolicy for $29/month.
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Education Financial Assistance

  1. School debt repayment: Under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, you may qualify for loan forgiveness and an income-driven repayment plan.
  2. Retention Bonuses: Navy JAG Corps officers are eligible for a total of $60,000 in retention bonuses paid over three installments at different career milestones (at approximately the four-year mark,...
  1. School debt repayment: Under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, you may qualify for loan forgiveness and an income-driven repayment plan.
  2. Retention Bonuses: Navy JAG Corps officers are eligible for a total of $60,000 in retention bonuses paid over three installments at different career milestones (at approximately the four-year mark,...
  3. Funded Graduate Education: Navy judge advocates have the opportunity for fully funded graduate education leading to award of a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree. Navy judge advocates have attended grad...
  4. GI Bill & Transferability: Transferability option under the Post-9/11 GI Bill allows service members to transfer all or some unused benefits to their spouse or dependent children.

Retirement

  1. 401k-like Thrift Savings Plan.Automatic 1% DoD contribution to the service member’s Thrift Savings Plan, and up to 4% Department of Defense matching contributions.
  2. Generous retirementincome after 20 years of service.
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Time Off

  1. 30 days paid vacation each year.
  2. 10 paid federal holidays per year.
  3. Sick leave for personal medical needs or care of family members and adoption.
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Life and Work Balance

  1. 12 weeks paid maternity leave for service members who give birth; 10 days parental leave for service members that adopt children or whose spouse has given birth.
  2. Subsidizedchild care, an exceptional family member program, and youth programs.
  3. Department of Defense schoolsin some geographic locations.
  4. Recreational discounts and services through Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR)progra…
  1. 12 weeks paid maternity leave for service members who give birth; 10 days parental leave for service members that adopt children or whose spouse has given birth.
  2. Subsidizedchild care, an exceptional family member program, and youth programs.
  3. Department of Defense schoolsin some geographic locations.
  4. Recreational discounts and services through Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR)programs.

Travel

  1. Foreign duty and travel opportunities through temporary or permanent assignments.
  2. Discounted travel.
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Moving Assistance

  • The Department of Defense will contract with a commercial mover for the movement of your household goods to your first permanent duty station. Both you and your family are reimbursed for travel exp...
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Additional Privileges

  1. Access to military exchanges(worldwide chain of tax-free “department stores”), which sell brand-name items at discounts.
  2. Access to military commissaries(tax-free grocery stores) that save military families approximately 25% on their food bills.
  3. Use of officers clubs around the world.
  1. Access to military exchanges(worldwide chain of tax-free “department stores”), which sell brand-name items at discounts.
  2. Access to military commissaries(tax-free grocery stores) that save military families approximately 25% on their food bills.
  3. Use of officers clubs around the world.
  4. VA Guaranteed Home Loan Program.